St Patrick's Athletic v Finn Harps

"There's certainly been enough publicity about this one," says Pat Dolan about this evening's visit of Finn Harps. "I just hope too many people don't show up on Sunday." Those who show up this evening may be in for a cracker with the league leaders having sorted out their home form over the last few weeks and Harps, unbeaten in their last four outings, showing that they are more than a match for some of the most fancied teams over the past couple of months.

Harps have a doubt about the availability of Stuart Gauld and the ability of Sammy Johnston to get over from Scotland. Charlie McGeever, though, is hopeful that both problems can be sorted out in time. James Mulligan is on the way back from a hamstring problem and may make the bench but there are unlikely to be any changes from the team that won last week.

The hosts, meanwhile, have doubts over Ian Gilzean (knee), Martin Reilly (ankle) and Paul Osam (shoulder) with the big striker the most likely of the three to miss out. Paul Keegan, Ricky O'Flaherty and Tommy Gaynor head the queue to fill the vacancies.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: St Patrick's 2, Harps 0; Harps 0, St Patrick's 1; St Patrick's 2, Harps 1; 97/98: Harps 1, St Patrick's 2.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: WWWDW Harps: LDDWW.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Gilzean (five), Molloy (four). Harps: Speak (seven) Mulligan (four).

Betting: Home: 4/9, Draw: 5/2, Away: 11/2. Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Drogheda United v Shelbourne (7.45)

It doesn't seem to be getting any better for Drogheda manager Martin Lawlor who will be looking for his side to tighten up at the back for the visit of the division's top scorers.

Their cause may be helped somewhat by the absence of Pat Scully from the visiting team with the big centre half being one of two Shelbourne men to pick up injuries in training on Sunday. He is rated as highly doubtful for the game while the other, Dave Campbell, should get through a late fitness test.

Lawlor, meanwhile, will bring John Carroll back into the centre of defence where he is hoping for a little more consistency.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Shelbourne 5, Drogheda 0.

Recent league form: Drogheda: DLLDL. Shelbourne: DWWWW. Leading scorers: Drogheda: N Reid (three); Shelbourne: S Geoghegan (nine), Scully (seven).

Betting: Home: 6/1, Draw: 5/2, Away: 1/2. Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians (7.45)

Bohemians haven't enjoyed the best of fortunes in this tie of late and they probably could have done with holding onto their highly-rated centre half, Shaun Maher, until after tonight's visit to Tolka Park.

The return of Donal Broughan would help to offset the 19-year-old's departure to Fulham with Eoin Mullen being freed up to move to centre half but, if that doesn't happen, then Turlough O'Connor will have to improvise in order to find a partner for Maurice O'Driscoll.

Rovers must wait on Paul Whelan, meanwhile, who is close to recovery from a back problem that has troubled him for the last couple of weeks.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Rovers 3, Bohemians 2; Bohemians 1, Rovers 1; Rovers 3, Bohemians 1; 97/98: Bohemians 1, Rovers 1.

Recent league form: Rovers: DLLWW. Bohemians: DDLDL.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Cousins (10); Bohemians: Lawlor (six), Parkes (five).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 7/4, Away: 7/4. Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

First Division

While the leaders Waterford take on Longford, it's second against third at the Carlisle Grounds where Bray will be looking to get back on track after a month in which they took just four points from four games.

Darren O'Brien is available for the first time since signing from UCD but Bo McKeever is still doubtful with a heel injury and he will undergo a test shortly before the game.

Limerick's list of problems is somewhat longer with Jason O'Connor suspended, Sean Byrne, Anthony Tobin and Albert Finnan all injured and a couple of others playing though still short of being 100 per cent. On the brighter side, Darren Browne, signed until the end of the season from Waterford during the week, is available.